Transformable knob for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A transformable knob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a body mounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises a face plate and a periphery wall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis. The transformable knob comprises a plurality of engagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall between first and second configurations. The transformable knob comprises an actuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms and arranged to move between first and second positions, with movement of the actuator facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations, respectively.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates to a transformable knob, and moreparticularly to a transformable knob for a vehicle.

In recent years, electronic systems have been utilized to a largerdegree in automobiles to perform various functions that weretraditionally performed by mechanical systems. One area in particularthat has greatly reduced mechanical systems in favor of electronicsystems is control systems. More specifically, buttons, levers, andknobs that were once utilized to control systems such as the radio,HVAC, and transmission have been reduced in favor of touchscreendisplays. The touchscreen displays follow a minimalist design style butmaintain the functionality of traditional control systems. While useful,touchscreen displays provide limited (if any) tactile feedback to theoperator when a selection is made. The operator often must avert theirattention from the road to the display to make a selection and/orconfirm that the proper selection has been made. In doing so, theoperator is increasing the chance of getting into an accident.

Thus, while current control systems achieve their intended purpose,there is a need for a new transformable knob for a vehicle thataddresses these issues.

SUMMARY

According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a transformableknob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a bodymounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises aface plate and a periphery wall coupled to the face plate and extendingaround the axis, with the face plate and the periphery wall defining acavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to theaxis. The transformable knob further comprises a plurality of engagementarms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from theaxis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectivelyengage and flex the periphery wall between a first configuration and asecond configuration. The transformable knob further comprises anactuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms andarranged to move between a first position and a second position, withmovement of the actuator between the first and second positionsfacilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement armsto flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations,respectively.

In one aspect, the actuator extends along a first plane orthogonal tothe axis and defines a first track extending in a curved radialconfiguration from the axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise afirst post disposed in the first track. The rotation of the actuatormoves the first post within the first track and correspondingly movesthe plurality of engagement arms between the first and second positions.

In another aspect, the transformable knob further comprises a guideplate extending along a second plane parallel to the first plane, withthe plurality of engagement arms disposed between the actuator and theguide plate. The guide plate defines a second track extending in astraight radial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagementarms comprise a second post disposed in the second track. The guideplate is stationary as the actuator moves the engagement arms betweenthe first and second positions to guide the movement of the engagementarms in linearly towards and away from the axis.

In another aspect, the guide plate is fixed to the body and the guideplate retains the rotational position of the engagement arms relative tothe body as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the first andsecond positions

In another aspect, the transformable knob further comprises a sleevefixed to the actuator and rotatably coupled to the body, with the sleeveextending along the axis and with the sleeve surrounding the axle anddefining a sleeve track having a helical configuration. The axlecomprises a protrusion extending outwardly from the axis and inengagement with the sleeve track with linear movement of the body alongthe axis causing the protrusion to move along the sleeve track androtate the sleeve to move the actuator between the first and secondpositions.

In another aspect, the transformable knob further comprises an electricmotor coupled to the axle and configured to rotate the axle about theaxis, and with the axle fixed to the actuator. Rotation of the axle bythe electric motor moves the actuator between the first and secondpositions.

In another aspect, the guide plate is fixed relative to the axis andretains the rotational position of the engagement arms as the bodyrotates about the axis.

In another aspect, the actuator is fixed to the body such that rotationof the body about the axis correspondingly moves the actuator betweenthe first and second positions.

In another aspect, the movement of the plurality of engagement arms toflex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations isfurther defined as uniformly moving the plurality of engagement armsoutwardly away from the axis to flex the periphery wall and increase thesize of the body from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration.

In another aspect, the movement of the plurality of engagement arms toflex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations isfurther defined as moving a portion of the plurality of engagement armstoward or away from the axis to flex the periphery wall and change ashape of the body from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration.

In another aspect, the plurality of engagement arms are configured asplurality of plungers each individually engaging a portion of theperiphery wall.

In another aspect, each of the plungers comprise a head having a curvedsurface configured to engage the respective portion of the peripherywall.

In another aspect, the actuator is further defined as a first actuatorand the plurality of plungers are further defined as a first pluralityof plungers. The transformable knob further comprises a second pluralityof plungers and a second actuator in engagement with the secondplurality of plungers, with the second actuator configured to move thesecond plurality of plungers independent of the first actuator and thefirst plurality of plungers to change the shape of the body between thefirst and second configurations.

In another aspect, the periphery wall comprises a plurality of knurlsarranged end-to-end and a plurality of hinges individually disposedbetween the knurls. Flexing the periphery wall comprises folding theknurls about the hinges.

In another aspect, the periphery wall comprises an elastomeric materialsuch that flexing the periphery wall comprises bending the elastomericmaterial of the periphery wall.

In another aspect, flexing the periphery wall comprises stretching theelastomeric material of the periphery wall.

In another aspect, the plurality of engagement arms are substantiallyflat and overlap one another about the axis such that the engagementarms collectively engage the periphery wall entirely around the axis.

In another aspect, the plurality of engagement arms are configured as amechanical iris.

According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a transformableknob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a bodymounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises aface plate and a periphery wall coupled to the face plate and extendingaround the axis, with the face plate and the periphery wall defining acavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to theaxis. The transformable knob further comprises a plurality of engagementarms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from theaxis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectivelyengage and flex the periphery wall between a first configuration and asecond configuration. The transformable knob further comprises anactuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms andarranged to move between a first position and a second position, withmovement of the actuator between the first and second positionsfacilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement armsto flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations,respectively. The transformable knob further comprises a guide plate.The actuator extends along a first plane orthogonal to the axis anddefines a first track extending in a curved radial configuration fromthe axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise a first postdisposed in the first track. Rotation of actuator moves the first postwithin the first track and correspondingly moves the plurality ofengagement arms between the first and second positions. The guide plateextends along a second plane parallel to the first plane, with theplurality of engagement arms disposed between the actuator and the guideplate. The guide plate defines a second track extending in a straightradial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagement armscomprise a second post disposed in the second track. The guide plate isstationary as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the firstand second positions to guide the movement of the engagement arms inlinearly towards and away from the axis. The guide plate is fixedrelative to the axis and retains the rotational position of theengagement arms as the body rotates about the axis. The actuator isfixed to the body such that rotation of the body about the axiscorrespondingly moves the actuator between the first and secondpositions. The plurality of engagement arms are configured as pluralityof plungers each individually engaging a portion of the periphery wall.The actuator is further defined as a first actuator and the plurality ofplungers are further defined as a first plurality of plungers. Thetransformable knob further comprises a second plurality of plungers anda second actuator in engagement with the second plurality of plungers,with the second actuator configured to move the second plurality ofplungers independent of the first actuator and the first plurality ofplungers to change the shape of the body between the first and secondconfigurations.

According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a transformableknob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a bodymounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises aface plate and a periphery wall coupled to the face plate and extendingaround the axis, with the face plate and the periphery wall defining acavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to theaxis. The transformable knob further comprises a plurality of engagementarms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from theaxis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectivelyengage and flex the periphery wall between a first configuration and asecond configuration. The transformable knob further comprises anactuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms andarranged to move between a first position and a second position, withmovement of the actuator between the first and second positionsfacilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement armsto flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations,respectively. The transformable knob further comprises a guide plate andan electric motor coupled to the axle and configured to rotate the axleabout the axis. The plurality of engagement arms are configured asplurality of plungers each individually engaging a portion of theperiphery wall. The actuator extends along a first plane orthogonal tothe axis and defines a first track extending in a curved radialconfiguration from the axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise afirst post disposed in the first track. Rotation of actuator moves thefirst post within the first track and correspondingly moves theplurality of engagement arms between the first and second positions. Theguide plate extends along a second plane parallel to the first plane,with the plurality of engagement arms disposed between the actuator andthe guide plate. The guide plate defines a second track extending in astraight radial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagementarms comprise a second post disposed in the second track. The guideplate is stationary as the actuator moves the engagement arms betweenthe first and second positions to guide the movement of the engagementarms in linearly towards and away from the axis. The guide plate isfixed to the body and the guide plate retains the rotational position ofthe engagement arms relative to the body as the actuator moves theengagement arms between the first and second positions. The axle isfixed to the actuator. Rotation of the axle by the electric motor movesthe actuator between the first and second positions.

According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a control systemfor a vehicle comprises a controller comprising at least one processorand at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium includinginstructions. The control system further comprises a transformable knobconfigured to be manipulated by an operator between a first state and asecond state and in electronic communication with the controller, withthe transformable knob comprising a body having a periphery wallarranged to flex between a first configuration corresponding to thefirst state and a second configuration corresponding to the secondstate. The control system further comprises an output device inelectronic communication with the controller and arranged to changebetween a first setting and a second setting. Manipulation of thetransformable knob by the operator from the first state to the secondstate transmits an input signal to the controller and facilitatesflexing of the periphery wall from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration. The controller is configured to receive the input signaland the processor is programmed to compare the input signal to theinstructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable mediumand transmit an output signal to the output device to change the outputdevice from the first setting to the second setting.

In one aspect, flexing the periphery wall between the first and secondconfigurations is further defined as uniformly flexing the peripherywall and increasing the size of the body from the first configuration tothe second configuration.

In another aspect, flexing the periphery wall between the first andsecond configurations is further defined as flexing the periphery walland changing a shape of the body from the first configuration to thesecond configuration.

In another aspect, the manipulation of the transformable knob by theoperator from the first state to the second state is further defined asrotation of the body of the transformable knob about an axis from thefirst state to the second state.

In another aspect, the manipulation of the transformable knob by theoperator from the first state to the second state is further defined aslinear movement of the body of the transformable knob about along axisfrom the first state to the second state.

In another aspect, the transformable knob comprises an actuator coupledto the body and movable between a first position and a second position,with the manipulation of the transformable knob by the operator from thefirst state to the second state further defined as movement of the bodyby the operator from the first state to the second state causingcorresponding movement of the actuator from the first position to thesecond position to flex the periphery wall from the first configurationto the second configuration.

In another aspect, the transformable knob comprises an actuator movablebetween a first position and a second position, and an electric motorcoupled to the actuator and in electronic communication with thecontroller, with the processor further programmed to transmit aconfiguration signal to the electric motor to move the actuator from thefirst position to the second position and flex the periphery wall fromthe first configuration to the second configuration.

In another aspect, the output device comprises a display surfacearranged to show a first indicia and a second indicia, with the displaysurface showing the first indicia in the first setting and the secondindicia in the second setting.

In another aspect, the output device further comprises a ride controlmodule configured to change dynamics of the vehicle between a first ridemode and a second ride mode, with the first ride mode corresponding tothe first setting and the second ride mode corresponding to the secondsetting.

In another aspect, the output device further comprises a cabin comfortmodule configured to change an environment within the vehicle between afirst comfort mode and a second comfort mode, with the first comfortmode corresponding to the first setting and a second comfort modecorresponding to the second setting.

According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofoperating a control system for a vehicle is presented. The controlsystem comprises a controller comprising at least one processor and atleast one non-transitory computer-readable medium includinginstructions, a transformable knob in electronic communication with thecontroller, with the transformable knob comprising a body having aperiphery wall arranged to flex, and an output device in electroniccommunication with the controller. The method comprises performing amanipulation of the transformable knob with an operator from a firststate to a second state, transmitting an input signal from thetransformable knob to the controller, receiving the input signal withthe controller, and comparing the input signal with the processor to theinstructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readablemedium. The method further comprises transmitting an output signal fromthe controller to the output device, changing the output device from afirst setting to a second setting, and flexing the periphery wall of thetransformable knob from a first configuration corresponding to the firststate to a second configuration corresponding to the second state.

In one aspect, performing a manipulation of the transformable knob withthe operator from a first state to a second state is further defined asperforming a primary manipulation of the transformable knob with theoperator from the first state to the second state. The method furthercomprises performing a secondary manipulation of the transformable knobwith the operator from a first sub-state of the second state to a secondsub-state of the second state, transmitting a secondary input signalfrom the transformable knob to the controller, and receiving thesecondary input signal with the controller. The method further comprisescomparing the secondary input signal with the processor to theinstructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readablemedium, transmitting a secondary output signal from the controller tothe output device, and changing the output device from a firstsub-setting of the second setting to a second sub-setting of the secondsetting.

In another aspect, performing the primary manipulation of thetransformable knob with the operator from the first state to the secondstate is further defined as performing a linear movement of the body ofthe transformable knob along an axis with the operator from the firststate to the second state and wherein performing the secondarymanipulation of the transformable knob with the operator from the firstsub-state of the second state to the second sub-state of the secondstate is further defined as rotating the body of the transformable knobabout the axis with the operator from the first sub-state of the secondstate to the second sub-state of the second state.

In another aspect, performing the manipulation of the transformable knobwith the operator from the first state to the second state is furtherdefined as rotating the body of the transformable knob about the axiswith the operator from the first state to the second state.

In another aspect, flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knobfrom the first configuration corresponding to the first state to thesecond configuration corresponding to the second state is furtherdefined as uniformly flexing the periphery wall and increasing the sizeof the body from the first configuration corresponding to the firststate to the second configuration corresponding to the second state.

In another aspect, flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knobfrom the first configuration corresponding to the first state to thesecond configuration corresponding to the second state is furtherdefined as flexing the periphery wall and changing a shape of the bodyfrom the first configuration corresponding to the first state, to thesecond configuration corresponding to the second state.

In another aspect, the transformable knob comprises an actuator coupledto the body and movable between a first position and a second position.The method further comprises moving the actuator from the first positionto the second position simultaneously with performing the manipulationof the transformable knob with the operator from the first state to thesecond state and flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knobfrom the first configuration corresponding to the first state to thesecond configuration corresponding to the second state.

In another aspect, the transformable knob comprises an actuator movablebetween a first position and a second position, and an electric motorcoupled to the actuator and in electronic communication with thecontroller. The method further comprises transmitting a configurationsignal to the electric motor after comparing the input signal with theprocessor to the instructions in the at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable medium and moving the actuator from the first positionto the second position simultaneous with flexing the periphery wall ofthe transformable knob from the first configuration corresponding to thefirst state to the second configuration corresponding to the secondstate.

In another aspect, the output device comprises a display surfacearranged to show a first indicia and a second indicia. Changing theoutput device from the first setting to the second setting compriseschanging the first indicia being shown on the display screen in thefirst setting to the second indicia being shown on the display screen inthe second setting.

According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofoperating a control system for a vehicle is presented. The controlsystem comprises a controller comprising at least one processor and atleast one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructionsand a transformable knob in electronic communication with thecontroller, with the transformable knob comprising a body having aperiphery wall arranged to flex, an actuator movable between a firstposition and a second position, and an electric motor coupled to theactuator and in electronic communication with the controller. Thecontrol system further comprises an output device in electroniccommunication with the controller. The method comprises performing alinear movement of the body of the transformable knob along an axis withan operator from a first state to a second state, transmitting an inputsignal from the transformable knob to the controller, receiving theinput signal with the controller, and comparing the input signal withthe processor to the instructions in the at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable medium. The method further comprises transmitting anoutput signal from the controller to the output device, changing theoutput device from a first setting to a second setting, transmitting aconfiguration signal to the electric motor, moving the actuator from thefirst position to the second position, and simultaneously flexing theperiphery wall of the transformable knob from a first configurationcorresponding to the first state to a second configuration correspondingto the second state. The method further comprises rotating the body ofthe transformable knob about the axis with the operator from a firstsub-state of the second state to a second sub-state of the second state,transmitting a secondary input signal from the transformable knob to thecontroller, receiving the secondary input signal with the controller,comparing the secondary input signal with the processor to theinstructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readablemedium, transmitting a secondary output signal from the controller tothe output device, and changing the output device from a firstsub-setting of the second setting to a second sub-setting of the secondsetting.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a transformable knob of avehicle.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one example of a transformable knobcomprising a body having a periphery wall configured as a circle.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the transformable knob of FIG. 2A, withthe periphery wall configured as a decagon.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the transformable knob of FIG. 2A, withthe periphery wall configured as a square.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the transformable knob of FIG. 2A, withthe periphery wall configured as a circle.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the transformable knob of FIG. 2A, withthe periphery wall configured as a decagon.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the transformable knob of FIG. 2A, withthe periphery wall configured as a hexagon.

FIG. 3D is a top plan view of the transformable knob of FIG. 2A, withthe periphery wall configured as a square.

FIG. 3E is a top plan view of the transformable knob of FIG. 2A, withthe periphery wall configured as an octagon.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformableknob showing a plurality of engagement arms disposed in a first positionand the periphery wall disposed in a first configuration.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the transformable knob of FIG. 4Ashowing the plurality of engagement arms disposed in a second positionand the periphery wall disposed in a second configuration.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformableknob, showing an axle and a sleeve in engagement with the axle.

FIG. 6 . is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformableknob, showing an electric motor coupled to the axle.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformableknob, showing the body fixed to the axle and an actuator fixed to theaxle.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformableknob, showing the plurality of engagement arms configured as a firstplurality of plungers and a second plurality of plungers, with the armsdisposed in the first position and the periphery wall disposed in thefirst configuration.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the transformable knob of FIG. 8Ashowing the plurality of engagement arms configured as the firstplurality of plungers and the second plurality of plungers, with thearms disposed in the second position and the periphery wall disposed inthe second configuration.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the transformable knob of FIG. 8Ataken along line 9-9, showing the actuator defined as a first actuatorand the first plurality of plungers.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the transformable knob of FIG. 8Ataken along line 10-10, showing a second actuator and the secondplurality of plungers.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformableknob with the plurality of engagement arms configured as a mechanicaliris disposed in the first position and the periphery wall disposed inthe first configuration.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view the transformable knob of FIG. 11Awith the plurality of engagement arms configured as the mechanical irisdisposed in the second position and the periphery wall disposed in thesecond configuration.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of one example of a vehicle comprising acontrol system including the transformable knob, a controller, and anoutput device.

FIG. 13A is a schematic view of one example of control system showingthe transformable knob disposed in the first configuration and theoutput device configured as a display surface and showing a firstindicia.

FIG. 13B is a schematic view of the control system of FIG. 13A, with thetransformable knob disposed in the second configuration and the outputdevice configured as the display surface and showing a second indicia.

FIG. 14 is a is a flow chart showing one example of a method ofoperating the control system.

FIG. 15 is a is a flow chart showing another example of a method ofoperating the control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a control system is shown generally at 20. Thecontrol system 20 is configured for use with a vehicle 22. The controlsystem 20 comprises a controller 24 comprising at least one processor 26and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 includinginstructions. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium28 may include other data such as control logic, software applications,instructions, computer code, data, lookup tables, etc. A computerreadable medium includes any type of medium capable of being accessed bya computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM),a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), orany other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable mediumexcludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links thattransport transitory electrical or other signals. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium 28 may include media where data can bepermanently stored and media where data can be stored and lateroverwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memorydevice. Computer code includes any type of program code, includingsource code, object code, and executable code. The processor 26 isconfigured to execute the code or instructions.

The control system 20 further comprises a transformable knob 30configured to be manipulated by an operator between a first state and asecond state and in electronic communication with the controller 24. Asshown in FIG. 1 , the transformable knob 30 comprises a body 32 having aperiphery wall 34 arranged to flex between a first configurationcorresponding to the first state and a second configurationcorresponding to the second state. In the example shown in the Figures,the transformable knob 30 is disposed within an interior of the vehicle22. More specifically, the transformable knob 30 is mounted to a portionof the vehicle 22 that is within reach of the operator of the vehicle22, such as along a dashboard or a center console of the vehicle 22.However, the transformable knob 30 may be utilized in any suitablelocation on the vehicle 22.

With reference to FIG. 12 , the control system 20 further comprises anoutput device 36 in electronic communication with the controller 24 andarranged to change between a first setting and a second setting.Manipulation of the transformable knob 30 by the operator from the firststate to the second state transmits an input signal to the controller 24and facilitates flexing of the periphery wall 34 from the firstconfiguration (see FIG. 13A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 13B).The controller 24 is configured to receive the input signal and theprocessor 26 is programmed to compare the input signal to theinstructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium28 and transmit an output signal to the output device 36 to change theoutput device 36 from the first setting (see FIG. 13A) to the secondsetting (see FIG. 13B).

In one example, flexing the periphery wall 34 between the first andsecond configurations is further defined as uniformly flexing theperiphery wall 34 and increasing the size of the body 32 from the firstconfiguration to the second configuration. In another example, flexingthe periphery wall 34 between the first and second configurations isfurther defined as flexing the periphery wall 34 and changing a shape ofthe body 32 from the first configuration to the second configuration.The manipulation of the transformable knob 30 causes both the change tothe output device 36 and the corresponding change to the configurationof the body 32 of the transformable knob 30 (e.g., the size and/or theshape). As such, the transformable knob 30 functions as both an inputfrom the operator to control the output device 36 as an output from thecontrol system 20 that provides both visual and tactile feedback to theuser that confirms the setting of the output device 36. Morespecifically, the operator may ascertain the setting of the outputdevice 36 from the configuration of the periphery wall 34 of thetransformable knob 30. Furthermore, the operator may ascertain thedifferent configurations by touching the periphery wall 34 (i.e.,without visually inspecting the transformable knob 30) which preventsthe operator from averting their visual attention from the road whileoperating the vehicle 22. Therefore, the transformable knob 30 promotessafe driving practices.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-11B, the transformable knob 30 comprises an axle 38extending along an axis A. The body 32 is mounted to the axle 38 and isrotatable about the axis A. The axle 38 is mounted to the vehicle 22(e.g., dashboard and/or center console in the examples described above).The body 32 comprises a face plate 40 and the periphery wall 34 coupledto the face plate 40 and extending around the axis A, as shown in FIGS.1-2C. The face plate 40 and the periphery wall 34 define a cavity 42, asshown in FIGS. 4A-11B. The periphery wall 34 arranged to flex relativeto the axis A. The transformable knob 30 further comprises a pluralityof engagement arms 44 disposed within the cavity 42 and movable towardand away from the axis A, with the plurality of engagement arms 44configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall 34 betweena first configuration and a second configuration. The transformable knob30 further comprises an actuator 46 in engagement with the plurality ofengagement arms 44 and arranged to move between a first position and asecond position, with movement of the actuator 46 between the first andsecond positions facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality ofengagement arms 44 to flex the periphery wall 34 between the first andsecond configurations, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 9 , the actuator 46 may extend along afirst plane P1 orthogonal to the axis A and defines a first track 48extending in a curved radial configuration from the axis A. Theplurality of engagement arms 44 comprise a first post 50 disposed in thefirst track 48. The rotation of the actuator 46 moves the first post 50within the first track 48 and correspondingly moves the plurality ofengagement arms 44 between the first and second positions. Thetransformable knob 30 may further comprises a guide plate 52 extendingalong a second plane P2 parallel to the first plane P1, with theplurality of engagement arms 44 disposed between the actuator 46 and theguide plate 52. The guide plate 52 defines a second track 54 extendingin a straight radial configuration from the axis A. The plurality ofengagement arms 44 comprise a second post 56 disposed in the secondtrack 54. The guide plate 52 is stationary as the actuator 46 moves theengagement arms 44 between the first and second positions to guide themovement of the engagement arms 44 in linearly towards and away from theaxis A. More specifically, the straight radial configuration of thesecond track 54 of the guide plate 52 directs the motion toward and awayfrom the axis A while the curvature of the first track 48 of theactuator 46 converts the rotational motion of the actuator 46 into thelinear motion of the arms 44.

The guide plate 52 may be fixed to the body 32 and the guide plate 52retains the rotational position of the engagement arms 44 relative tothe body 32 as the actuator 46 moves the engagement arms 44 between thefirst and second positions. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , thetransformable knob 30 further comprises a sleeve 58 fixed to theactuator 46 and rotatably coupled to the body 32, with the sleeve 58extending along the axis A and with the sleeve 58 surrounding the axle38 and defining a sleeve track 60 having a helical configuration. Theaxle 38 comprises a protrusion 62 extending outwardly from the axis Aand in engagement with the sleeve track 60 with linear movement of thebody 32 along the axis A causing the protrusion 62 to move along thesleeve track 60 and rotate the sleeve 58 to move the actuator 46 betweenthe first and second positions. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , theoperator pushes the body 32 down toward the vehicle 22. The axle 38 isfixed relative to the vehicle 22 and the axis A. The protrusion 62slides within the sleeve track 60. Because the sleeve track 60 has ahelical configuration and because the axle 38 is fixed to the vehicle22, the sleeve 58 begins to rotate about the axle 38 as the body 32moves down. More specifically, the helical configuration inducesrotation of the sleeve 58. The sleeve 58 may rotate relative to the body32, which prevents the body 32 from rotating with the sleeve 58 as thebody 32 is pushed down. The sleeve 58 is fixed to the actuator 46. Assuch, rotation of the sleeve 58 causes rotation of the actuator 46 whichmoves the engagement arms 44 from the first position to the secondposition. The transformable knob 30 sends the input signal to thecontroller 24. The transformable knob 30 may remain in the second state.The transformable knob 30 may return to the first state by the operationof pulling the body 32 up. The transformable knob 30 may also comprise abiasing member 64 abutting the body 32 and configured to bias the body32 toward the first state. As such, the transformable knob 30 mayautomatically return to the first state after the operator presses thebody 32.

In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the actuator 46 is movable between thefirst position and the second position (independent of the body 32) andan electric motor 66 is coupled to the actuator 46 and in electroniccommunication with the controller 24. The processor 26 is furtherprogrammed to transmit a configuration signal to the electric motor 66to move the actuator 46 from the first position to the second positionand flex the periphery wall 34 from the first configuration to thesecond configuration. More specifically, the electric motor 66 iscoupled to the axle 38 and configured to rotate the axle 38 about theaxis A. The axle 38 is fixed to the actuator 46. Rotation of the axle 38by the electric motor 66 moves the actuator 46 between the first andsecond positions. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the operator pushesthe body 32 down toward the vehicle 22. The body 32 may comprise ananchor 68 and the vehicle 22 may define a receptacle 70 to receive theanchor 68 and fix the body 32 rotatably about the axis A in the secondstate. The axle 38 is rotatable about the axis A. The transformable knob30 sends the input signal to controller 24 and receives theconfiguration signal in return. The electric motor 66 rotates the axle38 about the axis A. The axle 38 is fixed to the actuator 46. As such,rotation of the axle 38 causes rotation of the actuator 46 which movesthe engagement arms 44 from the first position to the second position.The transformable knob 30 may remain in the second state. Thetransformable knob 30 may return to the first state by the operationpulling the body 32 up. The transformable knob 30 may also comprise thebiasing member 64 abutting the body 32 and configured to bias the body32 toward the first state. As such, the transformable knob 30 mayautomatically return to the first state after the operator presses thebody 32. When the transformable knob 30 returns to the first state, theengagement arms 44 may remain in the second position as the engagementarms 44 are coupled to electric motor 66 and move independent of themovement of the body 32. However, the engagement arms 44 may return tothe first position when the transformable knob 30 returns to the firststate.

The guide plate 52 may be fixed relative to the axis A and retains therotational position of the engagement arms 44 as the body 32 rotatesabout the axis A. Furthermore, the actuator 46 may be coupled to thebody 32 and movable between the first position and the second position,with the manipulation of the transformable knob 30 by the operator fromthe first state to the second state further defined as movement of thebody 32 by the operator from the first state to the second state causingcorresponding movement of the actuator 46 from the first position to thesecond position to flex the periphery wall 34 from the firstconfiguration to the second configuration. In the example shown in FIG.7 , the actuator 46 is fixed to the body 32 such that rotation of thebody 32 about the axis A correspondingly moves the actuator 46 betweenthe first and second positions. More specifically, the body 32 is fixedto the axle 38 and the axle 38 is rotatable relative to the vehicle 22.Rotation of the body 32 from the first state to the second state causesthe axle 38 to rotate about the axis A. The actuator 46 is fixed to theaxle 38. As such, rotation of the axle 38 causes rotation of theactuator 46 which moves the engagement arms 44 from the first positionto the second position. The transformable knob 30 may remain in thesecond state. The transformable knob 30 may return to the first state bythe operator rotating the body 32 back to the first state. Thetransformable knob 30 may also be rotationally biased back toward thefirst state. As such, the transformable knob 30 may automatically returnto the first state after the operator rotates the body 32.

The movement of the plurality of engagement arms 44 to flex theperiphery wall 34 between the first and second configurations may befurther defined as uniformly moving the plurality of engagement arms 44outwardly away from the axis A to flex the periphery wall 34 andincrease the size of the body 32 from the first configuration to thesecond configuration (i.e., the size change described above).Alternatively, the movement of the plurality of engagement arms 44 toflex the periphery wall 34 between the first and second configurationsis further defined as moving a portion of the plurality of engagementarms 44 toward or away from the axis A to flex the periphery wall 34 andchange the shape of the body 32 from the first configuration to thesecond configuration (i.e., the shape change above).

In the examples shown in FIGS. 4A-10 , the plurality of engagement arms44 are configured as a plurality of plungers 72 each individuallyengaging a portion of the periphery wall 34. Furthermore, each of theplurality of engagement arms 44 may individually comprise the first post50 and the second. Likewise, the actuator 46 may define numerous firsttracks 48 and the guide plate 52 may define numerous second tracks 54.The first posts 50 are individually disposed in the first tracks 48 andthe second posts 56 are individually disposed in the second tracks 54.Each of the plungers 72 may comprise a head 74. Each of the heads 74 mayhave a curved surface 76 configured to engage the respective portion ofthe periphery wall 34, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The curved surfaces76 allow for the formation of shapes with curvatures, rather than onlypolygons with angular corners. However, some or all of the plungers 72may comprise heads 74 having flat surfaces 78. In the example shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, a portion of the plungers 72 have the curved surface 76and a portion of the plungers 72 have the flat surfaces 78. Thecombination of curved and flat surfaces 76, 78 allow for various shapes,including polygons and shapes that incorporate curved sides.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the actuator 46 may be further defined as afirst actuator 46 and the plurality of plungers 72 are further definedas a first plurality of plungers 72. The transformable knob 30 mayfurther comprise a second plurality of plungers 80 and a second actuator82 in engagement with the second plurality of plungers 80, with thesecond actuator 82 configured to move the second plurality of plungers80 independent of the first actuator 46 and the first plurality ofplungers 72 to change the shape of the body 32 between the first andsecond configurations. The first plurality of plungers 72 may beradially offset from the second plurality of plungers 80 as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, which allows the plungers 72, 80 to press on differentportions of the periphery wall 34 at the different states due to theindependent movement of the first and second actuators 46, 82. Morespecifically, the first and second plurality of plungers 72, 80 aredisposed in an alternating pattern about the axis A. The first actuator46 moves the first plurality of plungers 72 outwardly from the axis Awhen the body 32 is rotated in a first rotational direction about theaxis A from the first state to the second state. The second plurality ofplungers 80 correspondingly move inwardly toward the axis A when thebody 32 is rotated in the first rotational direction. The secondactuator 82 moves the second plurality of plungers 80 outwardly from theaxis A when the body 32 is rotated in a second rotational direction,opposite the first rotational direction, about the axis A from thesecond state to the first state. The first plurality of plungers 72correspondingly move inwardly toward the axis A when the body 32 isrotated in the second rotational direction. As such, the first andsecond plurality of plungers 72, 80 facilitate flexing the peripherywall 34 into different shapes between the first and second positions.

In the example shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 8A, and 8B, the periphery wall 34comprises a plurality of knurls 84 arranged end-to-end and a pluralityof hinges 86 individually disposed between the knurls 84. Flexing theperiphery wall 34 comprises folding the knurls 84 about the hinges 86.As such, the knurls 84 allow the periphery wall 34 to fold intodifferent shapes as different engagement arms 44 press on and move theperiphery wall 34. The periphery wall 34 may comprise an elastomericmaterial such that flexing the periphery wall 34 comprises bending theelastomeric material of the periphery wall 34. Furthermore, flexing theperiphery wall 34 may comprise stretching the elastomeric material ofthe periphery wall 34.

In the example shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the plurality of engagementarms 44 are substantially flat and overlap one another about the axis A.The engagement arms 44 collectively engage the periphery wall 34entirely around the axis A. The engagement arms 44 rotate andcorrespondingly move inwardly or outwardly while in engagement with theperiphery wall 34. The rotational movement of the engagement arms 44flex the periphery wall 34 and change the configuration between thefirst and second configurations. More specifically, the plurality ofengagement arms 44 are configured as a mechanical iris 88. In theexample shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the mechanical iris 88 changes thesize of the periphery wall 34. However, the engagement arms 44 may bepositioned such that their rotational movements may facilitate the shapechange of the periphery wall 34.

As described above, the manipulation of the transformable knob 30 by theoperator from the first state to the second state may be further definedas rotation of the body 32 of the transformable knob 30 about the axis Afrom the first state to the second state or linear movement of the body32 of the transformable knob 30 along axis A from the first state to thesecond state. However, the manipulation of the transformable knob 30 maybe further defined as sliding the transformable knob 30 along a surface,tipping the transformable knob 30, etc. Furthermore, the manipulation ofthe knob 30 may comprise engagement with the transformable knob 30 thatdoes not move the knob 30, such as engaging a touch sensor disposed onthe knob 30.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the output device 36 may comprise adisplay surface 90 arranged to show a first indicia 92 and a secondindicia 94, with the display surface 90 showing the first indicia 92 inthe first setting and the second indicia 94 in the second setting. Thedisplay surface 90 may be a screen capable of displaying an image. Thefirst indicia 92 and second indicia 94 may comprise text, an icon, orthe like that indicates the disposition of the output device 36 in thefirst and second settings, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 12 , the output device 36 may further comprise aride control module 96 configured to change dynamics of the vehicle 22between a first ride mode and a second ride mode, with the first ridemode corresponding to the first setting and the second ride modecorresponding to the second setting. More specifically, the ride controlmodule 96 may control suspension characteristics such as the rate atwhich shock absorbers dampen the oscillation of the sprung wheels. Theride control module 96 may also control powertrain characteristics, suchas the maximum power output of an electric motor at a given moment (inan electric powered vehicle) or the shift points of a transmission (inan internal combustion engine powered vehicle). On the other hand, theoutput device 36 may further comprise a cabin comfort module 98configured to change an environment within the vehicle 22 between afirst comfort mode and a second comfort mode, with the first comfortmode corresponding to the first setting and a second comfort modecorresponding to the second setting. More specifically, the cabincomfort module 98 may control the radio, the HVAC, and other systemsthat alter the environment within the vehicle 22.

The terms “first” and “second” above in association with states,positions, configurations, settings, etc. are relative and do notsignify any importance or order. Furthermore, although the transformableknob 30 is described above as being manipulated between two states whichcause the periphery wall 34 to change between two configurations and theoutput device 36 to change between two settings, this is for exemplarypurposes. It is to be appreciated that the transformable knob 30 may bethe control system 20 may be configured for use with a plurality ofstates, configurations, settings, etc. As a non-limiting example, theride control module 96 may change between five ride control modes,including a tour mode, a sport mode, a track mode, an off-road mode, andan operator configurable mode. As such, the transformable knob 30 may bemanipulated between five states which cause the periphery wall 34 tochange between five configurations. The configurations may each have adifferent shape, as shown in FIGS. 2A-3E. Likewise, the cabin comfortmodule 98 may change between five comfort modes, including a volumemode, a tune mode, a temperature mode, a fan speed mode, and a fanlocation mode. As such, the transformable knob 30 may be manipulatedbetween five states which cause the periphery wall 34 to change betweenfive configurations. The configurations may each have a different shape(reference again to FIGS. 2A-3E).

The manipulation of the transformable knob 30 with the operator from thefirst state to the second state may be further defined as a primarymanipulation of the transformable knob 30 with the operator from thefirst state to the second state. The operator may further perform asecondary manipulation of the transformable knob 30 from a firstsub-state of the second state to a second sub-state of the second state,which transmits a secondary input signal from the transformable knob 30to the controller 24. The processor 26 then compares the secondary inputsignal to the instructions in the at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable medium 28 and transmits a secondary output signal fromthe controller 24 to the output device 36, which changes the outputdevice 36 from a first sub-setting of the second setting to a secondsub-setting of the second setting. The changing of the output device 36between the settings and the sub-settings is referred to asmulti-function control. The changing of the output device 36 betweenonly the settings is referred to as dedicated control.

The example above pertaining to the ride control module 96 is an exampleof a dedicated control. The transformable knob 30 may be manipulated tochange the ride control module 96 between the five ride control modes.However, there are no sub-settings of the ride control modes that can bechanged through a secondary manipulation of the transformable knob 30.In this example, the operator changes the ride control mode by rotatingthe body 32 of the transformable knob 30 between five states thatcorrespond with the five rode control modes. However, the transformableknob 30 could be configured to change between the states by linearlymoving (i.e., pressing) the body 32.

The example above pertaining to the cabin comfort module 98 is anexample of a multi-function control. The transformable knob 30 mayundergo a primary manipulation to change the cabin comfort module 98between the five comfort modes. The transformable knob 30 may alsoundergo a secondary manipulation to change the cabin comfort module 98between at least two sub-settings for a selected comfort mode. Thesub-settings may include the volume level for the volume comfort mode,the temperature level for the temperature comfort level, the speed atwhich the fan rotates for the fan speed comfort mode, etc. In thisexample, the operator changes the comfort mode by rotating the body 32of the transformable knob 30 between five states that correspond withthe five comfort modes. The operator may change sub-setting for aselected comfort move by linearly moving (i.e., pressing) the body 32.However, the opposite may be true (i.e., the knob 30 may be linearlymoved to change between the comfort modes and rotated to change betweenthe sub-settings).

A method 200 of operating the control system 20 is also disclosed hereinand shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . The method comprises performing themanipulation of the transformable knob 30 with the operator from thefirst state to the second state (see box 202), transmitting the inputsignal from the transformable knob 30 to the controller 24 (see box204), receiving the input signal with the controller 24 (see box 206),and comparing the input signal with the processor 26 to the instructionsin the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 (see box208). The method further comprises transmitting the output signal fromthe controller 24 to the output device 36 (see box 210), changing theoutput device 36 from the first setting to the second setting (see box212), and flexing the periphery wall 34 of the transformable knob 30from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to thesecond configuration corresponding to the second state (see box 214).

In one example, performing the manipulation of the transformable knob 30with the operator from the first state to the second state (see box 202)is further defined as rotating the body 32 of the transformable knob 30about the axis A with the operator from the first state to the secondstate. In another example, performing the manipulation of thetransformable knob 30 with the operator from the first state to thesecond state (see box 202) is further defined as performing the linearmovement of the body 32 of the transformable knob 30 along the axis Awith the operator from the first state to the second state

Performing the manipulation of the transformable knob 30 with theoperator from the first state to the second state (see box 202) may befurther defined as performing the primary manipulation of thetransformable knob 30 with the operator from the first state to thesecond state. The method further comprises performing the secondarymanipulation of the transformable knob 30 with the operator from thefirst sub-state of the second state to the second sub-state of thesecond state (see box 216), transmitting the secondary input signal fromthe transformable knob 30 to the controller 24 (see box 218), andreceiving the secondary input signal with the controller 24 (see box220). The method further comprises comparing the secondary input signalwith the processor 26 to the instructions in the at least onenon-transitory computer-readable medium 28 (see box 222), transmittingthe secondary output signal from the controller 24 to the output device36 (see box 224), and changing the output device 36 from the firstsub-setting of the second setting to the second sub-setting of thesecond setting (see box 226). With reference to box 202, performing theprimary manipulation of the transformable knob 30 with the operator fromthe first state to the second state may be further defined as performingthe linear movement of the body 32 of the transformable knob 30 alongthe axis A with the operator from the first state to the second state.With reference to box 216, performing the secondary manipulation of thetransformable knob 30 with the operator from the first sub-state of thesecond state to the second sub-state of the second state may be furtherdefined as rotating the body 32 of the transformable knob 30 about theaxis A with the operator from the first sub-state of the second state tothe second sub-state of the second state.

In one example, flexing the periphery wall 34 of the transformable knob30 from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to thesecond configuration corresponding to the second state (see box 214) isfurther defined as uniformly flexing the periphery wall 34 andincreasing the size of the body 32 from the first configurationcorresponding to the first state to the second configurationcorresponding to the second state. In another example, flexing theperiphery wall 34 of the transformable knob 30 from the firstconfiguration corresponding to the first state to the secondconfiguration corresponding to the second state (see box 214) is furtherdefined as flexing the periphery wall 34 and changing the shape of thebody 32 from the first configuration corresponding to the first state,to the second configuration corresponding to the second state.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the method may further comprise moving theactuator 46 from the first position to the second position (see box 228)simultaneously with performing the manipulation of the transformableknob 30 with the operator from the first state to the second state (seebox 202) and flexing the periphery wall 34 of the transformable knob 30from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to thesecond configuration corresponding to the second state (see box 214).Alternatively (and with reference to FIG. 15 ), the method may furthercomprise transmitting the configuration signal to the electric motor 66(see box 230) after comparing the input signal with the processor 26 tothe instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readablemedium 28 (see box 208) and moving the actuator 46 from the firstposition to the second position (see box 232) simultaneous with flexingthe periphery wall 34 of the transformable knob 30 from the firstconfiguration corresponding to the first state to the secondconfiguration corresponding to the second state (see box 214).

As described above, the output device 36 may comprise the displaysurface 90 arranged to show the first indicia 92 and the second indicia94. As such, changing the output device 36 from the first setting to thesecond setting (see box 212) may comprise changing the first indicia 92being shown on the display screen in the first setting to the secondindicia 94 being shown on the display screen in the second setting.

Accordingly, the transformable knob 30 offers several advantages. Thetransformable knob 30 functions as a physical control, with the changein size and/or shape providing tactile feedback and clear confirmationto operator of selections, which helps to maintain the operator'sattention on the road. The change in size and/or shape further enhancesthe usability and performance of the control system 20 and provide foruser personalization and comfort. The transformable knob 30 furtherreinforces the user experience during driving scenarios by providing amore intuitive interaction with the control system 20.

The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in natureand variations that do not depart from the general sense of the presentdisclosure are intended to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transformable knob for a vehicle comprising: anaxle extending along an axis; a body mounted to the axle and rotatableabout the axis, with the body comprising a face plate and a peripherywall coupled to the face plate and extending around the axis, with theface plate and the periphery wall defining a cavity, and with theperiphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis; a plurality ofengagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and awayfrom the axis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured toselectively engage and flex the periphery wall between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration; and an actuator in engagementwith the plurality of engagement arms and arranged to move between afirst position and a second position, with movement of the actuatorbetween the first and second positions facilitating correspondingmovement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wallbetween the first and second configurations, respectively.
 2. Thetransformable knob of claim 1, wherein the actuator extends along afirst plane orthogonal to the axis and defines a first track extendingin a curved radial configuration from the axis, wherein the plurality ofengagement arms comprise a first post disposed in the first track,wherein rotation of actuator moves the first post within the first trackand correspondingly moves the plurality of engagement arms between thefirst and second positions.
 3. The transformable knob of claim 2,further comprising a guide plate extending along a second plane parallelto the first plane, with the plurality of engagement arms disposedbetween the actuator and the guide plate, wherein the guide platedefines a second track extending in a straight radial configuration fromthe axis, wherein the plurality of engagement arms comprise a secondpost disposed in the second track, and wherein the guide plate isstationary as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the firstand second positions to guide the movement of the engagement arms inlinearly towards and away from the axis.
 4. The transformable knob ofclaim 3, wherein the guide plate is fixed to the body and the guideplate retains the rotational position of the engagement arms relative tothe body as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the first andsecond positions.
 5. The transformable knob of claim 4, furthercomprising a sleeve fixed to the actuator and rotatably coupled to thebody, with the sleeve extending along the axis and with the sleevesurrounding the axle and defining a sleeve track having a helicalconfiguration, wherein the axle comprises a protrusion extendingoutwardly from the axis and in engagement with the sleeve track withlinear movement of the body along the axis causing the protrusion tomove along the sleeve track and rotate the sleeve to move the actuatorbetween the first and second positions.
 6. The transformable knob ofclaim 4, further comprising an electric motor coupled to the axle andconfigured to rotate the axle about the axis, and with the axle fixed tothe actuator, wherein rotation of the axle by the electric motor movesthe actuator between the first and second positions.
 7. Thetransformable knob of claim 3, wherein the guide plate is fixed relativeto the axis and retains the rotational position of the engagement armsas the body rotates about the axis.
 8. The transformable knob of claim7, wherein the actuator is fixed to the body such that rotation of thebody about the axis correspondingly moves the actuator between the firstand second positions.
 9. The transformable knob of claim 1, wherein themovement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wallbetween the first and second configurations is further defined asuniformly moving the plurality of engagement arms outwardly away fromthe axis to flex the periphery wall and increase the size of the bodyfrom the first configuration to the second configuration.
 10. Thetransformable knob of claim 1, wherein the movement of the plurality ofengagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and secondconfigurations is further defined as moving a portion of the pluralityof engagement arms toward or away from the axis to flex the peripherywall and change a shape of the body from the first configuration to thesecond configuration.
 11. The transformable knob of claim 1, wherein theplurality of engagement arms are configured as plurality of plungerseach individually engaging a portion of the periphery wall.
 12. Thetransformable knob of claim 11, wherein each of the plungers comprise ahead having a curved surface configured to engage the respective portionof the periphery wall.
 13. The transformable knob of claim 12, whereinthe actuator is further defined as a first actuator and the plurality ofplungers are further defined as a first plurality of plungers, andfurther comprising a second plurality of plungers and a second actuatorin engagement with the second plurality of plungers, with the secondactuator configured to move the second plurality of plungers independentof the first actuator and the first plurality of plungers to change theshape of the body between the first and second configurations.
 14. Thetransformable knob of claim 1, wherein the periphery wall comprises aplurality of knurls arranged end-to-end and a plurality of hingesindividually disposed between the knurls and wherein flexing theperiphery wall comprises folding the knurls about the hinges.
 15. Thetransformable knob of claim 1, wherein the periphery wall comprises anelastomeric material such that flexing the periphery wall comprisesbending the elastomeric material of the periphery wall.
 16. Thetransformable knob of claim 15, wherein flexing the periphery wallcomprises stretching the elastomeric material of the periphery wall. 17.The transformable knob of claim 1, wherein the plurality of engagementarms are substantially flat and overlap one another about the axis suchthat the engagement arms collectively engage the periphery wall entirelyaround the axis.
 18. The transformable knob of claim 17, wherein theplurality of engagement arms are configured as a mechanical iris.
 19. Atransformable knob for a vehicle comprising: an axle extending along anaxis; a body mounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis, with thebody comprising a face plate and a periphery wall coupled to the faceplate and extending around the axis, with the face plate and theperiphery wall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arrangedto flex relative to the axis; a plurality of engagement arms disposedwithin the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with theplurality of engagement arms configured to selectively engage and flexthe periphery wall between a first configuration and a secondconfiguration; an actuator in engagement with the plurality ofengagement arms and arranged to move between a first position and asecond position, with movement of the actuator between the first andsecond positions facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality ofengagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and secondconfigurations, respectively; and a guide plate; wherein the actuatorextends along a first plane orthogonal to the axis and defines a firsttrack extending in a curved radial configuration from the axis, whereinthe plurality of engagement arms comprise a first post disposed in thefirst track, wherein rotation of actuator moves the first post withinthe first track and correspondingly moves the plurality of engagementarms between the first and second positions; wherein the guide plateextends along a second plane parallel to the first plane, with theplurality of engagement arms disposed between the actuator and the guideplate, wherein the guide plate defines a second track extending in astraight radial configuration from the axis, wherein the plurality ofengagement arms comprise a second post disposed in the second track, andwherein the guide plate is stationary as the actuator moves theengagement arms between the first and second positions to guide themovement of the engagement arms in linearly towards and away from theaxis; wherein the guide plate is fixed relative to the axis and retainsthe rotational position of the engagement arms as the body rotates aboutthe axis; wherein the actuator is fixed to the body such that rotationof the body about the axis correspondingly moves the actuator betweenthe first and second positions; wherein the plurality of engagement armsare configured as plurality of plungers each individually engaging aportion of the periphery wall; and wherein the actuator is furtherdefined as a first actuator and the plurality of plungers are furtherdefined as a first plurality of plungers, and further comprising asecond plurality of plungers and a second actuator in engagement withthe second plurality of plungers, with the second actuator configured tomove the second plurality of plungers independent of the first actuatorand the first plurality of plungers to change the shape of the bodybetween the first and second configurations.
 20. A transformable knobfor a vehicle comprising: an axle extending along an axis; a bodymounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis, with the bodycomprising a face plate and a periphery wall coupled to the face plateand extending around the axis, with the face plate and the peripherywall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flexrelative to the axis; a plurality of engagement arms disposed within thecavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with the plurality ofengagement arms configured to selectively engage and flex the peripherywall between a first configuration and a second configuration; anactuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms andarranged to move between a first position and a second position, withmovement of the actuator between the first and second positionsfacilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement armsto flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations,respectively; a guide plate; and an electric motor coupled to the axleand configured to rotate the axle about the axis; wherein the pluralityof engagement arms are configured as plurality of plungers eachindividually engaging a portion of the periphery wall; wherein theactuator extends along a first plane orthogonal to the axis and definesa first track extending in a curved radial configuration from the axis,wherein the plurality of engagement arms comprise a first post disposedin the first track, wherein rotation of actuator moves the first postwithin the first track and correspondingly moves the plurality ofengagement arms between the first and second positions; wherein theguide plate extends along a second plane parallel to the first plane,with the plurality of engagement arms disposed between the actuator andthe guide plate, wherein the guide plate defines a second trackextending in a straight radial configuration from the axis, wherein theplurality of engagement arms comprise a second post disposed in thesecond track, and wherein the guide plate is stationary as the actuatormoves the engagement arms between the first and second positions toguide the movement of the engagement arms in linearly towards and awayfrom the axis; wherein the guide plate is fixed to the body and theguide plate retains the rotational position of the engagement armsrelative to the body as the actuator moves the engagement arms betweenthe first and second positions; wherein the axle is fixed to theactuator; and wherein rotation of the axle by the electric motor movesthe actuator between the first and second positions.